Writer-director Frank Darabont (“The Shawshank Redemption,” “The Green Mile,” “The Mist”) says the rumor of an early 13-episode second season order for his AMC zombie series “The Walking Dead” is only a rumor.

The filmmaker seems particularly startled at the idea that season two would start production only a month or two after he completes season one.

“Shooting in February? As tired as I am right now getting season one through post, I'd rather shoot myself,” Darabont tells Ain't It Cool.

The six-episode first season of “Walking Dead” launches Halloween night on AMC.